Japanese School System

The chart below shows the Japanese education system according to age, grade, and available educational facilities.

·         Children who have their 6th birthday on or before April 1 enter the first grade of elementary school of that year.

·         School year starts in April and ends in March.

·         For Japanese nationals, six years at elementary school and three years at junior high school (total nine years) are compulsory.

·         Although foreign nationals are not subject to Japanese compulsory education, they may enter local elementary/junior high schools if they wish.

·         Some public elementary, junior high or high schools have developed an environment to accept foreign nationals and/or Japanese children returning from abroad. Contact the municipal office in the ward (or city, town or village) where you reside for more information.

·         After graduating from junior high school, children may choose to continue their education to high school and then to university or to find employment.

·         Elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, technology colleges, junior colleges, universities and graduate schools in Japan are national, public or private institutes.

·         Special schools are available for physically/mentally-challenged children who may have difficulty in studying at general schools.

For more information, contact the Board of Education of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and/or the municipal office and board of education in the ward (or city, town or village) where you reside.